A Change of Fortune by Beryl Matthews Page B

made her way back to her house for the last time. She was stunned, not being able to believe that her crazy scheme had succeeded. She’d actually got a job!
    Now all she had to do this evening was get out of the house without being seen.

5
    Dinner that evening was agony for Jenny. Her aunt had forced her mother to come to the table, and the only time she showed a spark of interest was when Greaves was talking. It was clear that her mother was not displeased with the prospect of having him as a relative. Jenny was disgusted by the attitude. How shallow her mother’s life must be.
    ‘Have you packed all your belongings, Eugenie?’ he asked.
    She smiled brightly. ‘I’m all ready.’
    ‘Good, good.’
    He looked smug and Jenny swallowed silently, hoping her performance was good enough to convince everyone that the arrangement made her happy. Her mother was nodding in approval.
    ‘It will be for the best, Eugenie. You will have social standing as the wife of a wealthy man.’ A momentary flash of doubt crossed her mother’s face, and then it was gone. ‘I will be only ten minutes away. You can visit – now and again.’
    Jenny couldn’t help but feel pity for her mother, who was once again looking confused. They had never been close, but perhaps she should stay to help her mother through this disaster. That thought was instantlydismissed. She couldn’t stay. She just couldn’t! And really, by the way her mother was acting, she had her doubts if she would even be missed.
    ‘I shall collect you at twelve tomorrow. You will like my house, but it does require a woman’s touch.’ Albert Greaves laughed as if that were a huge joke. ‘At least that school taught you how to manage a large household.’
    ‘Yes, I’ve been well trained.’ Her smile was wide as she glanced at each person around the table. She hoped they didn’t look at her eyes, for she was sure that her distaste would be showing in them. She lowered them quickly, just to be on the safe side.
    Greaves leant across and ran a hand over her short hair. ‘You’ll make a splendid wife – when you’re older, of course. And you must let your hair grow again. I like long hair.’
    The laugh he gave made her shiver. There was something not quite right about this man. She watched him drain his glass and hold it out to be refilled. The butler carefully poured until it was full to the rim with red wine. Before walking away, Jessop frowned at Jenny, obviously shocked by what he’d heard. She gave no indication that she was anything but pleased. They would all know by morning that she had run away.
    She fixed her gaze on her mother, then a pain raged through her. She had never been an affectionate mother, but nor had she been unkind – until now. She was prepared to give her daughter to this awful man. That was hard to forgive or understand.
    Jenny’s lip trembled as the enormity of what she was planning swept through her. A secure comfortable life was all she had known. Now that was finished, and she was about to become a servant. It was a terrifying prospect. She bowed her head to concentrate on stirring her coffee until she could force a smile back on to her face. She mustn’t weaken. She was too close to success.
    It was a relief when the meal ended and she could escape to her room. Half an hour later she heard her aunt and Greaves leave. She already had on her coat, and, giving one last, sad glance around her pretty bedroom, picked up her case and crept down the stairs. To her horror Jessop appeared just as she reached the front door. The look she gave him was full of pleading. Don’t give me away!
    He took in her shabby coat and battered suitcase, and then, with a look of utter sadness on his face, opened the door for her, bowing her out. She knew he understood because he’d heard the talk at dinner.
    ‘Good luck, Miss Winford,’ he whispered as he closed the door silently behind her.
    Her mind was in turmoil as she caught the bus to her new life.